activate

verb
UK: /ˈæktɪveɪt/
US: /ˈæktɪveɪt/

  1. To make something active or start working.

    1. Press the button to activate the alarm. [ ] [ ]
    2. The new software is ready, just activate your user account online. [ ] [ ]

  2. To cause a device or chemical reaction to start functioning.

    1. The sensor will activate the lights when it gets dark. [ ] [ ]
    2. Sunlight activate the chemical in the film, starting the process. [ ] [ ]

  3. To put military forces into a state of readiness for action.

    1. The army base will activate its reserve units. [ ] [ ]
    2. The government decided to activate the national guard during the crisis. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

start trigger initiate enable arouse stimulate
activate adjective

  1. Made active or operative.

    1. The activate carbon can filter dirty water. [ ] [ ]
    2. The activate volcano will be destroyed nearby settlements, people are afraid. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "activate" in English means: To make something active or start working., To cause a device or chemical reaction to start functioning., To put military forces into a state of readiness for action..

The phonetic transcription of "activate" is /ˈæktɪveɪt/ in British English and /ˈæktɪveɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "activate": start, trigger, initiate, enable, arouse, stimulate.

Example usage of "activate": "Press the button to activate the alarm.". More examples on the page.